KENYA: Multimedia University Student Sylvia Kemunto Found Dead In Hostel Water Tank

By Lisbeth Micheni, Kenya 

Authorities in Kenya, have discovered the body of Sylvia Kemunto, a student at Multimedia University (MMU), in a rooftop water tank within the institution’s compound.

Kemunto, who was pursuing Mass Communications and Computer Science, had been reported missing since Sunday, March 30, 2025.

Her mother, Triza Kwamboka, who resides in Kawangware, became alarmed after multiple unsuccessful attempts to reach her daughter.

She had sent money to Kemunto through a church elder’s phone, but could not confirm whether she had received it.

Concerned, she traveled to MMU, and upon learning that her daughter was missing, filed a report at Langata Police Station.

Before her disappearance, Kemunto had confided in her mother about a young man who had been pursuing her, despite her lack of interest.

Investigations have revealed that her boyfriend, Philip Eric Mutinda, a first-year Electrical Engineering student, visited her room that Sunday afternoon.

Witnesses claim Mutinda was seen moving a suitcase reportedly belonging to Kemunto from her room in Block B to his own in Block E.

Mutinda’s roommate later noticed the suitcase in their room, but it was missing the following morning.

Meanwhile, Kemunto’s phone signal was last traced within the university before it was switched off around 10 PM.

On Thursday Evening, a strong odor from Block E led search teams to a rooftop water tank, where Kemunto’s body was found.

The tank had been sealed with wire and weighed down with a heavy stone, seemingly to conceal the remains.

Her body has been taken to City Mortuary for an autopsy, as family members and university officials demand answers on how the tragedy unfolded without detection.

The police have launched a manhunt for the suspect.